Now that summer will soon be drawing to an end, many of us are somewhat in a state of denial. Especially for those of us living in colder climates, the last hurrahs of the warm season can be quite depressing, with the anticipation of the cold months ahead.
While the upcoming fall season is inevitable, there are ways to soften the transition to cooler weather – both by making the most of summer’s remainder, and by making sure you are ready (and perhaps even excited!) for autumn.
Enjoy the last of the summer
The worst feeling to experience once summer is over is feeling like you’ve wasted all those long days and warm months of sunshine doing nothing. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you – while you still can, embrace the heat! Spend as much time outside as possible. If you live near water, there are still quite a few beach days you can get in.
Even if you have a busy schedule, penciling in some personal time, and family time, is crucial to keeping your stress levels in check, and to enjoying life in general. Make this time outdoor time; if you live in a colder climate, you may soon be cooped up more than you would like.
Go to bed an hour earlier
As the weather cools down, it becomes easier for many people to fall asleep, since for many individuals, elevated temperatures lead to tossing and turning. For this reason, and because the days are getting shorter and darkness falls at an earlier hour, the onset of fall is the perfect time to get an extra hour of sleep per night.
Many people in this country are sleep deprived, and if you are not getting at least seven hours per night on a regular basis, focusing on getting a good night’s sleep will not only set you up for greater productivity in the fall season, it can also greatly benefit your health.
Start planning for cold-weather workouts
During the summer, we have the luxury of walking, running, swimming and biking outside. While many of these activities are even more fun in the cooler fall weather, winter in northern climates means most bets are off for outdoor exercise. This year, instead of spending winter curled up on the couch, plan ahead.
Perhaps you have always wanted to take a martial arts, dance or yoga class, but have been putting it off. Winter is the perfect time to take a class indoors, to beat the seasonal blues, relieve stress and keep in shape. As classes fill up fast, the sooner you reserve your spot, the more options you will have.
Stock up on summer produce, prepare for fall’s
While you can, visit your local farmers market and get all the fresh eggplant, zucchini, green peas, cherries and other fresh summer produce you can. If you have more than you can eat, you can always freeze some to enjoy throughout the colder months.
Additionally, it’s time to get excited about the bounty that autumn has in store! Soon, it will be time for fresh pumpkins, acorn squash, garlic, apples, cranberries and mushrooms – to name just a few – to arrive at the farmers market – or your home garden.
With the arrival of autumn comes the season of wonderful, warming herbs, perfect for evening cups of tea. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon are just a few of the these, to both keep you warm and to nourish your body with a richness of antioxidants.
– The Alternative Daily